MLB Teams Leading Pro Sports With Religious-Themed Fan Nights

April 11, 2011

Pro teams are “promoting more fan days involving religious groups,” and with “more seats to fill during the course of a 162-game season than other sport, Major League Baseball teams are at the forefront,” according to Michael McCarthy of USA TODAY. The A’s will “hold their first Jewish Heritage Night” on May 17, and the Giants are “planning Fellowship (Christian), Jewish Heritage and LDS Family (Mormon) nights.” The Rockies later this season will host “their seventh annual Faith Day for all faiths.” Other MLB teams, including the Marlins, Royals and Phillies, are “planning similar fan days.” In the NBA, the Warriors “held their first Jewish Heritage Night on Sunday, including a Q&A” with Israeli native and Kings F Omri Casspi. But “some question whether these are appropriate in the public arena of sports.” Council on American-Islamic Relations National Communications Dir Ibrahim Hooper “objects because there are no plans for a Muslim Family Day.” American Atheists spokesperson Blair Scott said that “religion and sports is problematic -- not because it's not illegal but … unethical.” But MLB VP/Business PR Matt Bourne said the league has "confidence in our clubs to conduct ballpark promotions that are appropriate in tone and content" (USA TODAY, 4/11).